Cheap Places to Eat in Old Town

"If you're wanting to impress someone make reservations here a bit before sunset. All of their outdoor seating offers you a scenic ocean…”more"

"Buona Forchetta is all about pizza—Neapolitan-style, specifically—with blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil (Italian-born owner Matteo Cattaneo hails from a line of olive oil producers, and ships in his family's liquid gold by the barrel). Pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and the much-beloved spicy salami to shine. Grab a seat on their oft-packed patio, illuminated by string lights and filled with leafy trees, and soak in the warm California night while you wait."

"This favorite among neighborhood locals (and not-so-locals) churns out top-notch thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pies. The 35 different pizzas on offer -- mostly with proper, Italian names -- range from margherita (the gold standard upon which any pizzeria can be measured), to pies topped with shrimp, salmon, speck, and even fried eggplant. The small dining area can get crowded, but pizzas cook in minutes, so it’s rare to have to wait very long once you’re seated."

"Undeniably authentic Mexican in a casual spot walking distance to the beach. A local favorite is the adobado tacos, which they roast on a spit right at the restaurant."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Taco Stand (@letstaco_)"

"A family favorite in Coronado is always the Village Pizzeria (bayside location). Its a classic pizza joint with a gorgeous view of the bay. It is nestled in a cute shopping center and the pizza dough is made with imported New York water- yes for reals!!"

"This family-owned North Park restaurant has been serving incredible Cantonese fare since 1931. With that many years of experience, you know you’re in for a treat regardless of what you order but if you need a few suggestions, a few of the staff’s favorites include crispy beef, walnut shrimp and Szechuan tofu."

"If you’re wanting a vegetarian meal or snack, take a look at the menu from The Burger Den in Teralta East."

"Das Seasons 52 ist eine moderne Grill und Wein-Bar, die eine saisonal wechselnde und vom Angebot regionaler Bauernmärkte inspirierte Speisekarte bietet. Das Seasons 52 bezieht die frischsten Zutaten und verwendet traditionelle Zubereitungsmethoden im Steinofen und über dem Feuergrill mit Eichen-...Mehr"

"Located inside Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Art is one of the most popular indoor attractions in San Diego and plays host to a large collection of artwork. For those who enjoy viewing masterpieces created by European, American and Asian artists, the museum offers a broad selection of pieces including work from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as some from today’s most recognizable artists. The San Diego Museum of Art is the oldest and largest art museum in the region and welcomes guests from all over the world throughout the year."

"It’s a rare phenomenon for such a sunny place, but it does happen, and it doesn’t have to be a vacation ruiner. Just visit somewhere like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). MCASD houses many different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, scrolls and 3D art installations that jut out from the walls and dangle from invisible strings."

"The region's largest fine arts museum attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year to its diverse cultural exhibits. The museum's collection is astoundingly comprehensive, with artwork ranging in date from 5,000 BC to the present. The San Diego Museum of Art is most famous for its South Asian paintings from the Edwin Binney 3rd collection."

"The colorful and whimsical architecture of Horton Plaza sets it apart from any shopping mall in the region. The complex has become somewhat of a San Diego icon since its construction in the 1980s. It is credited with jumpstarting the revival of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and continues to appeal to visitors alike to this day."

"Horton Plaza, not to be confused with its adjacent namesake Horton Plaza Park, is a five-level outdoor shopping mall located in downtown San Diego known for its bright colors, architectural tricks, and odd spatial rhythms. It stands on 6.5 city blocks adjacent to the city`s historic Gaslamp Quarter."

"324 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-8180 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM  Sunday: Closed 2 stores Major Retailers: Macy’s, specialty shops, Regal theaters, Lyceum Theatre"

"Ghirardelli’s old fashioned soda fountain in the Gaslamp offers shakes, malts, cones, and sundaes galore. My favorite is the salty yet sweet Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae. Dark chocolate lovers, however, will revel in three sundaes: Midnight Reverie, Mint Bliss, and Espresso Escape."

"Located in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, this dessert is as good as it gets. Ghirardelli has a long list chocolate-themed desserts that will all make your mouth water. This Cookie Bits Sundae is definitely one of their tastiest."

"If you are in the downtown area, Ghirardelli is a perfect spot for a romantic date that takes you back in time to the days of the ice cream fountain of the ’50s. The ice cream, chocolates and milkshakes are all out of this world."

"The Fleet Science Center is a fun and educational museum for visitors of all ages. Kids will love the hands-on experience of exploring atoms and molecules in the Nano exhibit, and those under 5 can ride a fire truck in Kid City. In 1973, the museum opened the first IMAX dome theater in the world, and to this day, the IMAX continues to dazzle audiences with immersive adventures through space, rainforests, and oceans."

"The Fleet Science Center, also known as “The Fleet,” is a science museum and planetarium located in the popular Balboa Park in San Diego. With over 100 interactive exhibits with something for all ages, a visit to The Fleet will give your kids a better understanding of science and how it impacts the world around us. Spend your time exploring space, electricity, water, and virtual reality, or play around in Kid City."

"Fleet Science Center is a Science Museum in San Diego, California. It is situated in the Balboa park at the eastern end of the El Prado Drive walkway. It was established in 1973."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"